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Discover New music from Radioindy.com. This blog highlights our recent CD reviews in various genres.
"Concrete Country" is an excellent Americana/country CD by the Gene Butler Band. The CD is filled with excellent visual songwriting, excellent musicianship, and excellent recording quality. Gene's raspy voice adds a very distinctive, real sound to the music. The songwriting effectively combines thoughtful lyrics with memorable melodies. The band is tight and talented. We especially enjoy the up-tempo songs on the CD. "You Go On Anyway" and "Ride that Train" have an excellent upbeat rhythmic pattern, harmonica fills, fiddle solo, and 2-part harmonies in the memorable chorus. "Love's the Real Thing" is one of our favorite tracks, with its excellent up-tempo rhythmic pattern and harmonica fills. If you enjoy Americana/country music, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Angry Old Men" is a courageous acoustic singer/songwriter CD by Ray Rivers. The CD tackles many politically-charged current issues such as protecting the environment and war. The lyrics cut through nicely, to clearly project Ray's viewpoints on these controversial issues. As you will note from one listen of this CD, Ray is not afraid to tell you what he thinks about these issues. One of our favorite tracks is "For Katrina," an emotional song with beautiful backing harmonica. If you enjoy singer/songwriters that write about politically charged issues, such as Bob Dylan, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Home Again" by John Batdorf, is a very impressive acoustic adult rock CD. The CD is filled with impressive acoustic guitar work, which sounds really good on this recording. John's vocals are especially beautiful on this CD, and include rich harmonies on many tracks. The recording quality is crystal clear, which is especially effective on this acoustic, unplugged CD, and allows the lyrics to cut through nicely. The songwriting combines well thought-out and thought-provoking lyrics combined with memorable choruses. "Home Again," the title track, combines memorable acoustic guitar work and a memorable chorus, with a powerful lyrical message. "Me and You" includes clever lyrics and nice 2-part harmonies. "Something Is Slipping Away" is a remarkably beautiful song. The up-tempo "One Night Stands" is one of our favorite tracks, with it's hook-filled chorus. If you enjoy acoustic adult rock artists of the 60s and early 70s, such as Crosby, Stills, & Nash, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
Wow - "Ain't No Turning Back" took us on an awesome roots rock journey. All aspects of this CD are impressive. Pete's songwriting takes us to various destinations using visual and thought-provoking lyrics and memorable, hook-filled tracks. The songs are of several different genres and performed with many different instruments centered around intricate acoustic guitar work, and including sax, harmonica, and less typical instruments for rock music. All of the instruments are masterfully performed and well-blended with the rest of the music to complement the songwriting. The songs range from rock to blues to almost everything in between. From the modern folk ballad "Fair Marie," to the memorable up-tempo, "Cannonball," to the bluesy "Somebody's Knockin'," the songs are enjoyable. If you enjoy American music, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Urbanfolksunshine" by Khalil Anthony, is a socially relevant CD of mainly adult rock music with a reggae influence. The musicianship and recording quality are very good. The tracks on the CD include a variety of genres from reggae to adult rock, which keeps the CD interesting throughout. The lyrics are deep and directed to important global issues such as war and social injustice. The rhythmic grooves and timing is very complex on many tracks, yet the band remains tight throughout and the songs remain melodic and enjoyable. "So Hard," is a very strong track with a socially dark message, but a memorable chorus with a well-fitted complex rhythmic pattern. "Stop" has a nice mix of male and female vocals, and a powerful message in the hook-filled chorus. "Hey," which has all the elements of an adult rock hit, is our favorite track. If you enjoy adult rock music that has a reggae influence, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Popurri Musical" by Mary Corona, is a CD full of refreshingly authentic Latin music! The CD had us dancing to the traditional Latin groove. The horn and rhythm sections sound great throughout the CD. The band is very tight and impressive on this high quality recording. The songwriting and musical arrangement are very good. Mary's traditional-style vocals cap off the authentic Latin sound of the CD. We were blown away by the excellent horn section on tracks such as "Muriendo De Amor." We enjoyed the accordion work in "El Nuevo Rico." We found ourselves listening again-and-again to "Por Que?". If you enjoy traditional Latin music, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"The Eternal Contradiction" is an impressive acoustic singer/songwriter CD by James Lee Stanley. The acoustic guitar work and overall sound on the CD are very beautiful. James' thoughtful lyrics and solid vocals cut through nicely in the clean and professional recording. This CD is clearly the work of a skilled singer/songwriter who put a lot of time and energy into the songs and the recording of the CD. "Let the Tree Fall" is one of our favorite tracks, with its tasteful acoustic guitar chord progressions, inspirational and visual message and memorable chorus. "Nothing to Keep You on My Mind" is a catchy upbeat song with interesting harmonica fills and excellent 3-part harmonies in the chorus. If you enjoy some of the legendary singer/songwriters such as Cat Stevens, James Taylor, or Crosby Stills & Nash you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Songs from the Heart" is an entertaining CD of jazz classics by veteran jazz singer Lady CiCi. On the CD Lady CiCi brings her well-syncopated, distinctive vocal style to some jazz standards. The music on the CD has a very authentic, classic jazz sound, as does Lady CiCi's voice. She effectively moves up and down the key on many tracks. The backing band is very impressive and tight. For example, check out the keyboard solo on "Smile." One of our favorite tracks is "All of Me," where Lady CiCi's vocals are especially effective, and the tremendous musicianship of the band is particularly evident, including a very tasteful sax solo. If you enjoy a classic jazz sound, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
- Review by RadioIndy staff
Check out Lady CiCi's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular music sites
"Good to Get Away" is an independent artist adult rock classic "must have" CD by Larry Killip. This is a masterful work that shows the professional quality work that can be done without a big-label contract. The tracks on this CD reflect Larry's excellent songwriting ability - very melodic songs with unpredictable yet enjoyable chord progressions, effective builds to memorable choruses, and thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics. Add to this, Larry's excellent musicianship and distinctive voice, along with some tasteful sax fills and you have a masterful work. The recording quality and production are excellent as well. The music is reminiscent of The Beatles and especially Paul McCartney. The title track is a very memorable and thought-provoking song with a catchy guitar melody and keyboard countermelody in the verses that leads to a well-resolved chorus. "Beautiful Song" is very appropriately titled, and will stick in your head throughout the day, showing the power of the melodic and memorable chorus. Similar comments for "In Blue Daze." We can go on and on raving about this CD. If you enjoy adult rock or simply want to hear a masterful songwriter and very talented performer at work, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
- Review by RadioIndy staff
Check out Larry's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular music sites
"Kings Above Kings" is a CD full of excellent rap, hip-hop and R&B tracks by Kings of the City. The strength of this CD lies in the solid rapping backed by strong and creative beats. The CD is a demonstration that East Texas is the home of some tremendous rappers. This is excellent music for an excellent value, with 44 tracks for the price of a regular CD! Our favorite tracks are the hip-hop tracks, especially "Flipping-n-Holdin" and "Lonely." If you want to check out some of the fastest rapping you've every heard, and impressively still well-synched to the beat, check out "Tyl" or "I Don't Fool Wit You Cause You a Hoe." If you enjoy rap/hip-hop, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Like Super Man on Krypton" is an impressive acoustic singer/songwriter CD by Jeff Scott. Jeff's songwriting on the CD is excellent and provides a collection of tracks that include meaningful storytelling-type lyrics presented in melodic and memorable music. The songs sometimes include unpredictable chord progressions that are very enjoyable. The recording quality and production are pro and combine with the natural instrument sounds and tight band, to provide a very clean recording. Jeff's vocals cut through on the recording very well, and mix very nicely over the mainly acoustic guitar work. The musicianship is very good, with clean guitar work and solid vocals, and excellent female backing vocals on several tracks, most notably, "Sometimes Hope." "The Ring" is one of our favorite tracks, with its excellent groove and guitar work. The acoustic guitar chord progressions and Jeff's vocals sound really good on "Stupid As." If you enjoy modern acoustic singer/songwriter legends such as James Taylor, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Scarlet Sundance" is an ambient CD with tranquil, flowing tracks. The strength in the CD lies in the many keyboard/synthesizer sounds layered on top of each other and transitioning between each other to create tracks that gradually progress and change. This CD is an excellent CD as background music to help you concentrate on your daily tasks. Close your eyes and listen to these tracks and feel yourself floating into the sky. Our favorite track is the title track, with its interesting instrumentation changes including memorable bass loops, guitar loops, and percussive work. If you enjoy ambient music, or are looking for backing music as you perform your daily activities, then check out this CD. Pick up a copy today!
Wow! "Green" is a creative instrumental CD that features the amazing electric violin work of James Sudakow. James' work with the electric violin is groundbreaking to us in terms of effectively using an instrument not typically associated with rock music. His violin screams as he flies up and down his fret board like a rock guitar virtuoso. The instrument with its amplified sound fits amazingly well on these progressive rock tracks. The backing band is tight and the recording quality is good as well. On tracks such as "Red," James' violin work is amazing. The percussive backing work on Black is particularly effective at providing an interesting mood to the electric violin work. If you enjoy rock guitar virtuosos, or listening to the amazing skill of an extremely accomplished musician, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Primitive Spirit" is a creative, organic folk rock CD by The Primatives. The tracks on the CD are very acoustic, spiritual and earthy. Various percussive instruments and flute fills are nicely used to add depth to the sound of the primarily clean guitar sound. The strength of the CD lies in the meaningful songwriting that is brought to life by this distinctive organic sound, combined with the tasteful yet complex 3-part harmonies. Track 6, called Pyare, has a typical sound of the CD, and is one of our favorite tracks because the harmonies and flute fills blend particularly well on this track. The guitar work throughout the CD is impressive, especially the acoustic guitar licks in Sorry. The CD breathes fresh life into a very 60s folk rock sound that will remind you of bands such as Crosby Stills Nash and Young and The Grateful Dead. If you enjoy folk rock, especially the legendary folk rock artists of the 60s, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"The Stones Will Cry" is an uplifting spiritual CD by a talented musical team. The songs are full of uplifting messages accompanied by upbeat adult contemporary/rock music. The backing band is solid with impressive guitar work and a strong rhythm section throughout."Is It Too Much For the Lord" is one of our favorites, with its upbeat powerful rhythm, powerful keyboard, and powerful message. "Turn a Life Around" is a very soulful song, with a memorable 2 part harmony-filled chorus. If you're looking for uplifting, upbeat Christian adult contemporary music, this CD is for you. Pick up a copy today!
“It’s All OK Now” is a wonderful, peaceful folk/pop CD from talented artist, Mary Shannon. The CD features Mary’s talents on many different instruments and her tranquil voice. The depth of her songwriting and musical talents is likely the result of her family’s musical generations. The lyrics are reflective, emotional, and inspirational, which makes the CD especially effective to get through trying times of life. “Believe In Magic” is a typical track of the CD, which highlights Mary’s soft and beautiful voice, backed by rich and unpredictable instrumentation. “Always with Me” and the title track are particularly beautiful and emotional tracks that relate to dealing with the loss of a loved one. If you enjoy modern female pop/rock/folk artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, and Enya you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Today" is an impressive modern folk CD by veteran artist Robert Bobby. The strength of the CD lies in the witty and romantic songwriting, combined with the natural sound of the acoustic instrumentation and Robert's gritty and effective vocals. This is storytelling and visual songwriting from the heart. The acoustic stringed instrument performances on the CD are notable, with many different sounds that are nicely blended to provide the proper accent to Robert's voice. "Sweet Potato Vine" is a memorable song with the authentic modern folk sound and tasteful guitar fills that is typical of this CD. "Dance" is one of our favorite tracks with its upbeat groove, yet unplugged acoustic feel. "Stop In The Name of Love" is a stripped-down, slowed-down version of this American music classic that we find ourselves listening to again and again. If you enjoy modern folk artists such as John Prine, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
Wow! Harbinger’s self-titled CD is a really, really enjoyable compilation of contemporary Christian songs. Every aspect of the CD is very good, but most impressive are the vocals. The 3-part harmonies are rich and blend very nicely throughout the tracks on this CD to accompany the solid lead vocals. This is especially notable given the varied genres of music on the CD, which share a common spiritual theme. You’ll find yourself going back to listen to a number of the tracks on this CD over and over again. For example, “Fly Away” is a memorable upbeat song with a melodic chorus and a country pop feel. “More Than You’ll Ever Know” has an excellent acoustic groove that blends nicely with the excellent vocals, which build to a crisp 3-part harmony-filled, melodic chorus. “Blessed Assurance” is an interesting track that has a polished Disney-type full-band sound and harmonies, interestingly blended with a spiritual theme. Probably the most memorable vocal performance on the CD is the beautiful, emotional female lead vocal in “In the Presence of Jehovah.” If you enjoy contemporary Christian, or listening to a group of individuals who were born to sing, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
“Tightrope” is an impressive CD that features the adult rock and modern folk music of Pete Vogel and a cast of some of Columbus, Ohio’s most talented musicians. The music on the CD is layered with many instruments that nicely back the strong vocals and memorable songwriting. All of the tracks that we heard were solid, with many catchy upbeat tunes, nicely mixed with some softer, more acoustic tracks. The impressive musicianship on the CD is a testament to the strong local music scene in Columbus. “Hollywood, USA” has an excellent up-beat groove with screeching sax fills, and reminds us of Stevie Wonder. “On the Gable” is a beautiful, soft song with tasteful piano and acoustic guitar work that highlight an emotional vocal performance. “Are You Alive?” has an inspirational message that is effectively delivered by the soft, deep lead vocals and soulful backing female vocals. If you enjoy adult rock artists such as the Counting Crows or Peter Himmelman, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
“One on One” by Timatayo is a CD filled with passionate acoustic singer/songwriter songs about love, life, and romance. The tracks on this CD highlight the emotion and passion of Timatayo’s vocals and songwriting. Furthermore, the acoustic guitar work is impressive, especially the flying licks on “Believe.” The meaningful lyrics cut through nicely on this unplugged-type recording. “Fly Away,” like many tracks on this CD, combines beautiful acoustic work, beautiful vocals, and a beautiful message. If you enjoy passionate singer/songwriter-style songs about love and romance, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
The best way to describe "Wake Up America" is AUTHENTIC country. This is a heart-felt traditional country CD with Americana and patriotic influences. From the beautiful love songs "You Lose" and "Without You" to the patriotic "Wake Up America" to the foot-stomping "Walk Alone," this CD will keep your interest throughout. In fact, some of the deeper tracks, such as "He's a Good Ole Boy" are our favorites. Another one of our favorite tracks, "Country," features tasteful guitar countermelody riffs that contrast Helen's voice very nicely. The backing band is very tight and talented, and the production and recording quality are very professional. If you enjoy traditional country music that is real and comes from the heart, you'll enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
“When the Boat Comes In” is an eclectic compilation of songs that feature the very talented wind instrument musician Andy Findon. Andy’s virtuoso level of musicianship is evident throughout the CD. His arrangements are rich and multi-layered with an amazing number of different sounds blended together. The production and recording quality are very good. The songs vary greatly in style and genre, and include many songs/melodies that you will recognize, including the rock standard, Stairway to Heaven. The tracks are ordered in a manner that keeps your attention by taking you from one genre/tempo to an extremely different genre/tempo on the next track. We enjoy the fast-moving tracks the most, such as Molly on the Shore, Duelling Bamboos and Sabre Dance, which also includes some very creative style changes within the track. Whether you enjoy listening to the creative work of a musical master of his craft, or are particularly a fan of wind instruments such flute and clarinet, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!
"Out of This World" is a CD that will WOW you! It is filled with impressive country pop tracks that highlight Nicole's beautiful voice. The musicianship, songwriting, and production are all top notch, providing a CD filled with memorable tracks that are indistinguishable in quality from a big-label CD. The WOW of this CD comes from Nicole's vocals: from the beautiful, soft vocals of "Deliver Me" and "Spoken Like a True Man," to the upbeat, soulful vocals of "Back Track" to the traditional country vocals of "If Men Could Talk." If you enjoy country pop music, or just sitting back and listening to a tremendous vocal talent, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!